April 1 – Buddhism – Scripture verse for the day: 1 Corinthians 10:14 The Tai Lue are Hinayana Buddhists (as opposed to China's majority Mahayana Buddhists). Buddhism runs strong in most villages, especially among the older generations. The heart of Buddhism is a life of good works done on earth that will ensure a better life in the life after death. Good deeds wipe away bad deeds, sacrifices appease the gods and can even bring good luck. Pray that Buddhism would be seen for what it is: an empty religion that cannot truly wipe away their bad deeds. Pray that they would understand how Jesus is the true savior who can wipe away their sins. April 2 - Idols – Psalm 115:2-9 This Psalm sums it up well. The idols here are just made by the hands of men. They are not the true, living God. Pray that the Tai Lue might come to know the True and Living God. Pray that they would destroy their idols and not be bound to them. April 3 - Monks – I Corinthians 3:19 Most boys become monks for a least a short period of time, to make merit for their family, to understand the scriptures of the Tai Lue, and hopefully gain enlightenment. Monks have great respect and authority. They also understand the Tai Lue culture and have great influence in community decision making. Pray that God would choose some monks for himself, and that they would in turn lead others in their communities to know God. Thank God for those he already has chosen to follow Him! April 4 - Pagodas – Romans 12:1-3 Pagodas are sacred places. People go to them to celebrate festivals or make offerings and sacrifices to make merit. The Tai Lue have mixed animism with Buddhism to create a religion of fear and superstition. Good spirits are welcomed through the flying of flags and the tinkling of bells. Mirrors are thought to drive away evil spirits, and offerings atone for bad deeds of the past. All of these things keep the people in bondage and fear, instead of experiencing the love of God. Pray that the Tai Lue might be set free from fear and bondage and that they would experience the true joy of knowing freedom in Christ Jesus. April 5 - Temples – Acts 7:48-51 Most villages have a local temple. The Tail Lue love beauty, so the temples are decorated ornately with symbols of their culture, including dragons and peacocks. Painted on the walls of many temples are the scenes from Buddhist scriptures depicting the story of good and evil, between what is right and what is wrong. There are fearful images of evil spirits waging war against good spirits; there are reminders of a day of judgment and an afterlife. Many people can't read the Tai Lue texts, but do have respect for them. Many new temples are now being built in Xishuangbanna, with the money coming from Thailand. This is because they view southern China as Page 1 spiritually weak and are trying to fervently restore the Buddhist faith. Pray that churches of the True and Living God would spring up, instead of temples. Pray that the evil that dwells in these places might be banished and spiritual strongholds might be torn down. April 6 - Spiritual strongholds - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Please pray against spiritual strongholds in this area. There has yet to be a major advance of the gospel in this area. Spiritual warfare and principalities are strong here; Buddhism has a grip on many of the people's hearts, strangling out the gospel before it has a chance to take root. Animism and fear of spirits also can choke out the gospel. Pray that Satan and his demons would be driven from the strongholds that they posses. April 7 - Common problems with sin – Psalm 51 The Tai Lue can get involved in many areas of sin including: drinking; drugs; KTV (karaoke bars); prostitution; domestic abuse; adultery; wasting money; wanting and chasing after money, etc...Please pray that these vices would be shown for what they really are...empty things that they use to try to fill the void in their life. Pray that they would find joy and contentment in Jesus. Pray that they would have the strength to turn from these evil things. Pray that believers would have the strength to stay away from these things. April 8 – Chasing after money – Mark 4:19 There is pressure for those living in the villages around Xishuangbanna to have a big, modern house. Some Tai Lue have sold their land to build their new big house...but then don't have any money left. Because they don't plan ahead for the future well, many of the people might not have money to support their family once they have sold their land. Many are now just thinking about money and how to get more of it. This has choked out the gospel in some hearts, and made others non- responsive. They don't see a need for the gospel if they are happy with money. Pray that they would become disillusioned with the false sense of security that money brings, and instead find a need for contentment in Christ. April 9 – Wisdom for foreigners – Romans 10:14-15 Pray for the foreigners living in these countries. Pray that they would have the strength to press on in light of discouraging times. Pray that doors would be opened to serve the Tai Lue. Pray that visas might be given. Pray that “rich” foreigners would know how to best use the resources God has given them. Pray that foreigners would be unified and that they will find ways to best come along side of the Tai Lue to serve them. Page 2 April 10 - Food - John 6:22-71 Inflation has been rising fast in Asia. In some areas, 20-100% inflation is common for some things per year. The poor living in this region can spend most of their income just on trying to feed their families and housing. Jesus is the True Bread of Life. Pray that the Tai Lue might be satisfied by knowing him and the nourishment he can give their souls. April 11 - NGO work – James 1:27 NGO's (non-profit type organizations) can have an effective presence in this area by caring for the poor and sharing resources and knowledge. Pray that both the Chinese and foreigners working in them might effectively show Jesus' love. Pray that the governments of the countries that they are in might be willing to have them working there. Pray for the financial resources the NGO’s need in order to keep on doing the work God has given them to do. April 12 – To hear from God during this special time of fasting - Daniel 10:2-14a Thank God that during this time of fasting, like the 21 days Daniel spent fasting and mourning, Father is releasing his mighty angels on behalf of this region. Ask that Christians living in these areas would be able to hear and understand Father’s words and receive his visions during this special time. Rejoice that we are greatly beloved by God, and that he hears our prayers and responds to them as we humble ourselves before him. Ask him to give his people increased understanding of what he wants to do here. April 13 - Evangelism – Matthew 28-19-21 There are still many who have never heard the gospel. Please pray that God would move the hearts of the people in this region. There are some efforts at evangelism by the local churches and believers, but this area has yet to really see a self-sustaining and reproducing Tai Lue church planting movement lead by the Tai Lue. April 14 - Water splashing festival - John 4:10 Water splashing festival is usually celebrated from April 13th to April 15th every year in Jinghong. This is the main Tai Lue (Dai) festival and it brings in people from all over China to celebrate it. Splashing water on one's self is meant to symbolize the washing away of dirt, sorrow and demons of the old year and it brings in the happiness of the New Year. The more you get splashed, the more luck you will have in the coming year. Water is very sacred to the Tai Lue. Pray that they would see Jesus as the true and living water. Pray that streams of abundance might flow into this area and people would turn to God. Page 3 April 15 - Open hearts as to many opposed and hard hearts - Psalm 63:1-5 The Tai Lue are not very open to the gospel. Buddhism and newly found wealth can make it hard for God's word to take root. Pray for open hearts, and that Christians in this area might boldly share God's word. Pray that the Word might take root and be firmly established. April 16 - Persecution – I Peter 1:3-9 Believers have faced persecution in this region for many years. Although it is not as bad as in the past, local believers still have trouble, especially in their hometowns and when with their families. Pray that they would be given strength to endure. Pray that they would be witnesses for Christ. Pray that these trials and tribulations might be a chance for them to grow in their faith. April 17 - Trained leaders who are spiritually mature - Ephesians 4:7-16 Thank God for pouring out His gifts on His people.